Fresh Squeezed Wishes

Hi lovelies! Did you have a wonderful weekend? I sure hope so. 

Just a little heads up, it may be kind of quiet around here for a few days while I'm getting my new blog up and running...I've been making some good progress :)

Here's some fresh squeezed goodness to start your week...One morning, I hand-squeezing all these oranges. All fresh from the farm in Costa Rica. I love starting the day with juice!

How do you start your day? And your week? 

Photographic Ode to Creatures

Welcome to the second photography series. I noticed that I started taking animal pictures after my 1st trip to Costa Rica. Probably because the creatures are so huge and different than any I had ever seen before. Now I always try to capture interesting creatures on camera. (All photos are taken and edited by myself, unless otherwise noted.)

* * *

Costa Rica 

A little monkey eating fruit up in the trees!

These bright red, purple, and black crabs were
everywhere on our off-the-road adventure in Santa Rosa.

BIG bugs!

* * *

Hawaii

There were a bunch of turtles that came onto shore for a few days. 

California

On my visit home, I took lots of morning walks in the hills. Pulgas Reserve.

Kisses! Vivid memories of Girl Scout Camp and Outdoor Ed.

Lovely little bees in Sonoma County.

This guy looks like a grump. A day in Muir Woods.

Beautiful dragonfly resting, Silver Lake.

* * *

Peru

Cusco and nearby

Family mule, Luquina Chica family homestay.

Rooster of Choquequirao.
Photography: Megan Boyle

Cuy castle in Pisac - read more

Land of llamas at Huchuy Cusco. Photography: Diane Patterson

Gorgeous parrot at Ccotahuasi Animal Rescue.

Puerto Maldonado - Quillabamba (jungle)

We almost stepped on this guy, hanging out under the orange trees.

The tarantula that was in my shoe (and didn't want to come out).

Just a little snack ;)

Aren't creatures magnificent? Hopefully you had as much fun seeing these as I did creating this. Do you have a favorite animal? 

Stay tuned for next Photographic Ode to Funny Things!

Photographic Ode to Nature

* * *

I love photography. And I love plants. I love trying to recreate a moment and show the beautiful elements of nature. This post is a collection of the delicate intricacies nature shows us in places I've traveled or lived.

Most of the photos are taken and edited by me, but also thanks to Diane Patterson for the beautiful Choquequirao shots (when I didn't have my camera).

* * *

Peru

Cusco

Sacred San Pedro cactus.

My lotus succulent.

Flowers overlooking the city from Cristo Blanco.

My favorite flower in Peru. When
they're on their tree they look like little lanterns.

Furry plants ?

Corn in all colors and varieties. 

Urubamba

Sunkissed.

Choquequirao 

Pricelessly captured. By Diane Patterson

Delicate little fruity lanterns, Aguaymanto.
 By Diane Patterson

Morning trek into the mist. By Diane Patterson

Puerto Maldonado

Sacred spirals.

Quillabamba

A ruffle tree!

Coffee beans preparing themselves.

I connected with this plant because I make jewelry in similar designs.

Cacao pod - mmm chocolate!

* * *

California

North Bay (Sonoma County)

Beautiful decay, Luter Burbanks Garden.

Mid-air splash, fountain in Chico.

Home plant.

Magnificent Oak.

Barnacles at Salmon Creek.

Berkeley

I liked this tree because it feels like it's on fire.

Peninsula Parks

My very favorite, the great Redwoods.

Treasures, lost and found.

He was looking like he wanted an acorn hat.

* * *

Costa Rica

Bamboo is such an incredibly strong yet flexible root. I was amazed how it grows and bows down like this.

Rainbow Eucalyptus! I edited the colors
a bit but it's not far off from the real effect.

* * *

Hawaii

Kona

This lava rock came from the island volcanoes
and covers the beaches, but careful - it's sharp!

Tiger orchids <3

* * *

I hope you enjoyed! Have you ever seen any of these natural beauties?

 Stay tuned for another Photographic Ode to Animals . . .